20 questions with colin greaney
Published
10th Aug 2011
by rachael
Name: Colin Greaney
Age: 48
Position: International creative director
Salon: Mahogany Hairdressing
Colin Greaney is international creative director at Mahogany Hairdressing, with three salons in Oxford and one in London's upmarket Mayfair.
The Mahogany Creative Team will be presenting at Salon International 2011 - their 15th year at the show.
1. What is your biggest achievement?
Becoming international creative director for Mahogany Hairdressing.
2. If you weren't a hairdresser what would you be?
As I have studied martial arts most of my life, the thought of being a martial instructor sounds cool. I think it would be very rewarding to see kids develop into champion martial artists.
3. How would your clients describe you?
Sincere, genuine, a perfectionist.
4. Which one style do you wish you had created?
5. Who is your style icon?
Yohji Yamamoto.
6. Who is your hairdressing idol?
Richard Thompson. We have worked together since 1982 and I have gained so much creative knowledge, which hopefully I can pass onto my creative team.
7. Which hairdresser would you most like to work with (past or present)?
Tim Hartley. I've always admired his creative vision.
8. Who cuts your hair?
Anyone at Mahogany.
9. Favourite part of the job?
When I see a client walk out of the door happy and feeling great about her hair.
10. Who is your most famous client past or present?
Greta Scacchi, a very beautiful and an amazing actress.
11. Last time you were lost for words?
I'm never lost for words!
12. Which one product couldn't you live without?
Schwarzkopf Professional's BC Smooth Shine. It gives an incredible finish to the hair as well being a fantastic cutting agent.
13. Is there anything about the industry that makes you mad?
Hairdressing companies that don't invest in staff training and then try and poach my staff.
14. What's the biggest gaffe you've made in your career?
Employing someone who turned out to be a bully.
15. What's the best career advice you've ever been given?
To achieve a good haircut, it's not how much hair you cut off but it's how much you leave on.
16. Last time you were star-struck?
About 6 years ago I went to see Prince at a very small venue. I managed to stand next to the stage and when he came off I was stood right next to him. He is a musical genius and I was definitely star-struck that day.
17. Time you were most proud to be in hairdressing?
Winning London Hairdresser of The Year.
18. What celebrity haircut do you wish had never caught on?
The Lady Diana flick.
19. What haircut would you love to make a come-back and how would you re-invent it for the noughties?
The Jean Seberg crop and it does not need re-inventing, it's perfect!
20.Sleek and shiny or messy bed hair?
Sleek and shiny.
